Contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Question

What are some key difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Answer 1

*Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus:

Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells carry a free-floating bundle of DNA in the "nucleoid" region. Note, the nucleoid region is not the same as a nucleus!

*Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria:

Unlike eukaryotic cells, which do contain mitochondria, prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria. There is even evidence that mitochondria used to be prokaryotic cells. These historic prokaryotic cells took up residence in other cells and developed into mitochondria over time.

Citation: Beyond Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes : Planctomycetes and Cell Organization

By: John A. Fuerst, Ph.D.